Pacific Cafe Closed for Rodent Droppings Throughout Kitchen

Health inspectors closed Pacific Cafe on Geary Boulevard after discovering extensive rodent droppings throughout the kitchen and food storage areas during a follow-up inspection on October 22, 2025. The Outer Richmond restaurant at 7000 Geary Boulevard failed this inspection after inspectors found rodent droppings in multiple critical areas, including behind the ice machine, underneath the dishwasher, and near food storage areas containing potatoes and onions.

Widespread Rodent Contamination

Inspector Jessica Jang documented rodent droppings in seven different locations throughout Pacific Cafe's kitchen and storage areas. The contamination was found on ledges behind the ice machine, behind and underneath the dishwasher, in corners between cleaning supply shelving units, and on the bottom shelf where boxes of potatoes and bags of onions were stored. Additional droppings were discovered in the corner behind the dry storage area door and on side ledges in the back storage area. The inspector ordered immediate sweeping, cleaning, and sanitizing of all affected areas and demanded the restaurant continue working with pest control to eliminate all vermin entry points. The presence of rodents in food service establishments poses serious health risks to customers, as mice can produce up to 50 droppings daily containing dangerous pathogens including Salmonella and hantavirus. These contaminants can spread throughout the kitchen environment, potentially contaminating food preparation surfaces and ingredients.

Additional Food Safety Violations

Beyond the rodent infestation, inspectors cited Pacific Cafe for critical food protection violations. Staff were storing uncovered foods in the food preparation refrigerator, creating opportunities for cross-contamination that could lead to foodborne illness outbreaks. The restaurant also failed to maintain proper cleanliness standards, with inspectors noting significant grease buildup in both service compartments of the fryers. A structural issue was identified as well - a hole in the wall next to the ice machine and walk-in cooler that could serve as an entry point for pests.

Restaurant History and Closure

This marks Pacific Cafe's first recorded inspection, making the extensive violations particularly concerning for the Outer Richmond dining community. The restaurant, accessible by the 38 Geary bus, serves the local neighborhood and had been operating under owners F. Gundry and R. Warren. The health department ordered immediate closure with no reopening date scheduled. Before resuming operations, Pacific Cafe must address all violations and provide an updated pest control report to Inspector Jang at Jessica.Jang@sfdph.org. Despite the serious violations that led to closure, inspectors noted that the restaurant's refrigeration units were maintaining proper temperatures at 41 degrees and below, hot-holding units operated at the required 135 degrees or higher, and the dishwasher was sanitizing properly. The closure serves as a reminder of the importance of proper pest control and food safety protocols in restaurant operations. Customers who dined at Pacific Cafe recently and experience symptoms of foodborne illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately.